Sending Christmas gifts to your missionary is one of the sweetest ways to remind them that home is cheering them on. But… if you’ve ever tried to ship a package internationally, you know it can get complicated (and expensive) fast. Between customs, new tariffs, and holiday delays, it’s enough to make anyone want to give up.
Here are my best tips to make shipping Christmas gifts easier, cheaper, and way less stressful.
1. Start With USPS — Seriously
Before you do anything else, talk to USPS.
I know, I know. Going to the post office isn’t anyone’s favorite activity. But they are by far the easiest (and most missionary-friendly) way to ship packages internationally (I speak from personal experience!). They’ll:
- Help you fill out customs forms correctly
- Tell you what’s allowed in your missionary’s country
- Flag anything that might get stopped, taxed, or confiscated
- Give you updated info on import policies (lots of countries have changed theirs recently due to tariffs)
It saves so much guessing and helps your package actually get to your missionary instead of getting stuck in customs limbo. 10/10 recommend!
2. Want to Avoid International Shipping Fees? Use Amazon in Their Country
If you want to send gifts but don’t want to spend $100+ on shipping, try this:
➡️ Create an Amazon account in the country your missionary is serving in.
Many countries have their own Amazon site (like Amazon.se in Sweden). Ordering gifts directly inside the country skips customs, cuts shipping costs dramatically, and usually gets there way faster. My parents did this for me when I was in Sweden and it saved them a ton of money. They were even able to send these packages straight to my apartment instead of to the mission home!
This is especially perfect for:
- Pajamas
- Snacks
- Christmas decorations
- Warm clothes
- Books in their mission language
- Hygiene items
Just make sure shipping goes to an address they can access (apartment or mission office depending on their rules).
3. Classic Christmas Gifts That Always Make a Missionary’s Day
If you’re sending a physical package from home, here are some missionary-approved ideas:
🎁 Their favorite snacks
Missionaries love literally anything that reminds them of home: candy, trail mix, hot chocolate packets, jerky, fruit snacks, etc.
🎄 Peanut butter
Some countries don’t sell it at all—or it’s crazy expensive.
🍽 Freeze-dried holiday meal
If you have access to a freeze dryer, this can be SUCH a fun surprise. Turkey dinner? Mashed potatoes? A piece of home in their apartment.
🧦 Christmas pajamas or socks
Throw in a matching pair for their companion(s)! Missionaries love small traditions that bring the holiday spirit in.
🃏 Card games for after proselyting
Uno, Skip-Bo, Phase 10—super light to pack and perfect for winding down after a long day.
📸 Small photo gifts
Mini photo book, printed family pictures, or even a tiny decorated Christmas tree with family faces as ornaments.
4. Ship Early. Like… Really Early.
International holiday shipping slows down more than you’d think. If you want your missionary to open your gifts on Christmas, try to ship before:
✔️ November 21st (earlier if they’re in Africa, Asia, or anywhere remote)
5. Check the Mission Rules Before Sending Anything
Every mission has different guidelines about:
- Where packages can be sent
- If food is allowed
- Whether missionaries can receive packages directly or only through the office
A quick text or email to your missionary makes everything smoother.
Final Thoughts
Sending a Christmas package to your missionary doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right tips—USPS guidance, Amazon-country accounts, thoughtful gifts, and early shipping—you can make their holiday feel bright even from thousands of miles away.
If you want more ideas for missionary gifts, tips, or memory-keeping inspiration, be sure to check out our other posts on My Mission Moments!